Agrifields DMCC Troubles Spill Over to Business Partners as Global Probe Intensifies

The figure behind Agrifields DMCC, a rock-phosphate and fertiliser trading business, Amit Gupta, is facing heightened international scrutiny as investigations linked to his earlier firm Getax continue to expand across multiple jurisdictions.

According to an investigative report by award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie of the Sydney Morning Herald, United States court documents identify Getax director Amit Gupta as “the target of a criminal investigation alleged to have conspired with others to bribe foreign public officials, engage in money laundering, and commit other offences.”

Australian Federal Police Probe and Asset Seizures

In a separate exposé published in 2024, the Sydney Morning Herald described Gupta as an “alleged corporate crime kingpin and fugitive from justice” who had built a global business empire estimated at US$800 million.

Documents cited in the report reveal that the Australian Federal Police spent years tracking complex international fund movements connected to Gupta. In 2020, the AFP moved to seize properties and bank accounts in Australia, Singapore, and New York valued at approximately US$200 million.

McKenzie further reported that leaked corporate and banking documents showed Gupta-linked entities allegedly used fictitious invoices and fabricated expenses to move money offshore and evade millions of dollars in Australian taxes.

The Getax investigation is now regarded as one of Australia’s most expansive inquiries into bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and corruption—spanning hundreds of banks, companies, individuals, and cross-border transactions.

Global Investigations and Indian Linkages

The AFP has publicly stated that the money trail, business relationships, use of alleged “straw men,” and both inbound and outbound fund flows remain under active investigation. Authorities reportedly possess recorded voice transcripts, emails, and phone communications as part of the probe.

Media reports indicate that the Australian Government has frozen or seized assets linked directly or indirectly to Gupta, including entities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia.

The investigation is also expanding into India through cooperation with Indian authorities, given Gupta’s extensive financial holdings and commercial relationships with Indian firms such as Coromandel International and Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers.

In India, multiple government agencies—including the Income Tax Department of India—are scrutinising Gupta’s commercial dealings and personal finances. Between 22 March 2022 and 7 July 2022, tax authorities reportedly issued notices exceeding ₹1,700 crore to Gupta and his family.

Separately, Gupta is also facing a ₹700 crore fraud case in India related to real-estate firm Sunland Projects Pvt Ltd, involving an alleged 33.33% share transfer and loan write-off. This case, however, is not linked to the Australian Federal Police investigation.

Agrifields DMCC, Senegal Assets, and Corporate Partnerships

According to Business Insider Africa, in 2019 Agrifields DMCC, along with two other entities, acquired Baobab Mining & Chemicals Corporation, a phosphate plant located in Senegal.

In 2022, The Hindu reported that Coromandel International, part of the Murugappa Group, purchased 45% of Baobab Mining & Chemicals Corporation—Gupta’s venture—for ₹150 crore, while also extending a US$9.7 million loan.

International media coverage during 2022, 2023, and 2024—including reports by Nick McKenzie—has highlighted alleged worldwide criminal investigations, an INTERPOL notice, travel restrictions, and further allegations of fraud, forgery, and corporate misconduct involving Gupta.

Business Fallout and Ongoing Trade Links

Following these developments, two of Gupta’s major business collaborators reportedly reduced or terminated their ties. Philphos, controlled by Buddy Zamora, is said to have reduced its engagements with Gupta by 99% since 2023. Meanwhile, Coromandel International has increased its stake in Baobab International to 72% and is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Gupta’s remaining share.

Despite this, Coromandel International continues to source rock phosphate and other raw materials from Gupta—reportedly from Algeria and his Senegal facility—though the rationale behind this arrangement has not been publicly clarified.

Public trading disclosures and records indicate a long-standing commercial relationship between Gupta and Coromandel, with cumulative fund transfers likely running into billions of dollars since the early 2000s. Public data and Trademo suggest transfers of at least US$334 million (approximately ₹2,850 crore) in the last year alone.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, during the 2008 commodity surge, “when the world price rose to almost $400 per metric tonne, Getax was reportedly paying as little as $43 per metric tonne.”

Trade records suggest that Coromandel International was Gupta’s largest revenue source in 2008, and available data indicates that this may still be the case today.

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Ongoing Coverage

Further reporting on Amit Gupta, Agrifields DMCC, Indian regulatory actions, the Australian Federal Police investigation, the Australian Government, and INTERPOL-related developments is expected to follow.

Disclaimer: All information cited above is based on reports from established media outlets, including the Sydney Morning Herald and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. References and source links are embedded in the highlighted names.

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